Real Christmas trees have been enjoyed in Ontario since before Confederation.

The Christmas tree industry employs thousands of workers in the farming, transportation and retail sectors. Each year, more than one million fresh, farm-grown Christmas trees are purchased in Ontario, and the same number of seedlings are planted for future harvests.

In light of the assertion by the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario and the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association that Christmas tree farms and recycled Christmas trees provide environmental benefits, as well as to celebrate the joy Christmas trees bring to families across Ontario, it is appropriate that the Christmas tree industry receive recognition.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Christmas Tree Day

1. The first Saturday in December in each year is proclaimed as Christmas Tree Day.

Commencement

2. This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

3. The short title of this Act is the Christmas Tree Day Act, 2015.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Explanatory Note was written as a reader’s aid to Bill 16 and does not form part of the law. Bill 16 has been enacted as Chapter 12 of the Statutes of Ontario,2015.

The Bill proclaims the first Saturday in December in each year as Christmas Tree Day.